Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 24 June 2024
ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI) marked its 47th Foundation Day with grandeur at the Dr. T.R. Dutta conference hall. The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by esteemed dignitaries and farmers.
Dr. D. R. Singh, Vice Chancellor of Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bihar, delivered a Foundation Day lecture on “Next-Gen Agriculture: ICAR-CIARI’s Strategic Priorities for Growth” via virtual mode. He congratulated the institute’s staff for their achievements and emphasized the unique agricultural challenges faced by the islands, including limited land availability, unique climate conditions, soil fertility issues, and pest and disease pressures.
To address these challenges, Dr. Singh suggested a focus on producing quality planting materials and cultivating high-value crops such as spices, orchids, and plantation crops. He also advocated for value addition and exploring the potential of under-utilised crops like cherries and noni. Highlighting the importance of protected cultivation, he recommended innovative farming techniques such as aeroponics, hydroponics, and vertical farming. Additionally, he stressed the need for utilizing modern technologies such as Geographical Indication (GI), digital marketing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to ensure sustainable agricultural production in the islands.
The Chief Guest, Dr. C. Sivaperuman, Officer-in-Charge of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Port Blair, praised ICAR-CIARI for its commitment to serving the islands, particularly in areas such as breed registration, documentation, patents, and strategy development. He also commended the institute’s work in horticulture and organic farming.
Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director of ICAR-CIARI, applauded the dedication of the staff and highlighted the institute’s accomplishments over the past year. These included the inauguration of the administrative building of KVK, North and Middle Andaman, and the introduction of a fish aggregation device at Minicoy. He recognised the institute’s scientists for their high-impact publications, patents, and commercialisation of technologies. Dr. Chakurkar encouraged the scientists to continue striving for excellence and improving the livelihoods of the farming community.
Sixteen innovative farmers from the Andaman, Nicobar, and Lakshadweep Islands were awarded for their effective utilization of ICAR-CIARI technology. Additionally, scientists and employees were recognized for their contributions in technology development, commercialization, experimental fieldwork, research publications, and staff performance.
The event also included a welcome address by Dr. Jai Sunder, Head of the Division of Animal Science, ICAR-CIARI, who highlighted the institute’s achievements. Dr. Pooja Bohra, Scientist at ICAR-CIARI, coordinated the program, and Dr. P. K. Singh, Head of the Horticulture Division, delivered the vote of thanks.
The celebration was attended virtually by staff members of ICAR-CIARI, its Regional Station at Minicoy, Lakshadweep, KVK, North & Middle Andaman, KVK, Nicobar, and officials from other ICAR institutes.